Kenya's President William Ruto has urged Ahmed Madobe, the leader of Somalia's Jubaland state, to rejoin the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting that commenced in Mogadishu this month, featuring the participation of both federal and regional leaders, Caasimada Online news website reported on Saturday.
Madobe, who was installed by Kenya during its 2011 offensive against Al-Shabaab in Kismayo, met with President William Ruto in Eldoret on Friday at the behest of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who urged Ruto to exert pressure on Madobe to return to the National Consultative Council talks.
The Jubaland leader has told Ruto that he will only return to the National Consultative Council meeting if the Somali President permits an indirect vote, which has historically favored him in contentious elections, and allows him to establish a separate election committee alongside the federal electoral commission.
Madobe emphasized that the successful implementation of President Mohamud’s preferred one-person, one-vote electoral model hinges on the participation of absent parties, including Puntland, in comprehensive discussions.
Madobe’s insistence on his demands strongly suggests he will boycott the National Consultative Council meeting set to begin this week in Mogadishu, amid Puntland’s absence and just a week after his withdrawal prompted the adjournment of critical negotiations.
Kenya's Ruto asks Somalia's Jubaland leader to return to NCC talks
Kenya's President William Ruto has urged Ahmed Madobe, the leader of Somalia's Jubaland state, to rejoin the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting that commenced in Mogadishu this month, featuring the participation of both federal and